Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued Decree (31) of 2026, establishing the Council of Islamic Endowments Affairs. The newly formed council is designed to manage endowments independently, invest in their assets, distribute income, preserve properties, and oversee operations in adherence to Islamic law.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the decree outlines the structure and powers of the Islamic Endowments Affairs Council. The council, chaired by the minister responsible for Islamic affairs and endowments, will include no fewer than twelve members appointed by royal order, serving renewable terms of four years. Key responsibilities include setting the general policy for the endowments sector, reviewing relevant legislation, issuing regulatory rules, creating a unified database for endowments, and enhancing governance, transparency, and financial and Sharia oversight.
The decree details operational procedures for the council, including meeting regulations and the use of technical committees. It stipulates the existence of two general endowments administrations to handle administrative and financial matters. An annual report to the Cabinet is required, and the decree repeals Decree 6 of 1985, which previously governed the Sunni and Ja'afari endowments councils and their administrations.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf are tasked with implementing the decree's provisions. The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.